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ASTR 0025 - Frontiers in Astronomy

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/astr-0025/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Prerequisite: Completion of ASTR 5 or 10 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 54 lecture Description: Topics at the forefront of astronomical research including an in-depth look beyond introductory astronomy. Emphasis on theoretical principles and supporting observational data. Includes relativity and warped spacetime, black holes, dark matter, quasars, gravitational waves, grand unified and super symmetry theories, and other recent developments in cosmology. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Synthesize information from various sources (classroom instruction, online resources, etc.) to produce a coherent understanding of galactic/extragalactic astronomy. Evaluate concepts in cosmology, relating concepts in underlying physics and observations to scientific frameworks of our universe's formation and evolution. Critique new findings in the frontiers of astrophysics, assessing and appraising their conceptual frameworks. Course Content Outline I. Classical Physics Before Special Relativity II. Problems With Space and Time in the Classical Approach III. Spacetime and the Special Theory of Relativity IV. The Problems with Gravity and Inertial Forces V. General Relativity and Applications in Cosmology VI. The Fundamental Forces of Nature and Their Relation to Cosmology VII. Nothingness: The Science of Empty Space Course Objectives Course Objectives Through exams, assigned tasks, classroom participation, etc.., the student will: 1. Identify a variety of historical developments that lead to the development of Special Relativity 2. Compare mass, energy, and momentum concepts in Special Relativity with their non-relativistic counterparts 3. Present the interval as a reference frame invariant 4. Solve problems in time dilation, simultaneity, and velocity addition 5. Apply the Lorentz transformation to general problems in Special Relativity 6. Explain the concept of spacetime and its relation to Euclidean geometry 7. State the Equivalence Principle and its relation to inertial forces 8. Illustrate the ideas of a non-Euclidean geometry 9. Relate the theoretical ideas behind and the principle observational evidence for the General Theory of Relativity 10. Describe the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, and how Einstein and others objected to “spooky action at a distance” 11. Relate modern physics perspectives of realism to quantum entanglement, and how locality is poorly treated in modern physics; 12. Describe the four fundamental forces of nature and their unification under the grand unified and supersymmetry theories 13. Correlate the structure of the universe to the fundamental forces 14. Describe issues of dark matter, and dark energy, as related to our modern understanding of the Concordance Cosmology 15. The students will identify the fascinating and mind-bending astronomical objects and conditions being discovered, on a nearly daily basis Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Reading from assigned text on a weekly basis. Example: Read Chapter on Special Relativity from textbook and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Reading from supplemental material on a regular basis. Example: Read Hubble's original 1929 discovery paper on the redshifts of galaxies and recessional law. Classroom discussion to follow. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Periodic homework exercises directed at developing problem solving skills. Example: Consider a spaceship traveling at .5C. It shoots out a probe at .8C. What is the velocity of the probe as measured by an observer in a stationary rest frame? 2. Term report on "popular" book on some topic related to cosmology. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. In-class activity assignments on a periodic basis. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.